Utah
Location:
Category:
Anti - Liberties
Status:
Active
Background
The Utah Eagle Forum is a local branch of the national Eagle Forum, an ultra-conservative organization founded by Phyllis Schlafly in 1972. It is known for pushing far-right positions on a variety of social and political issues, with a particular emphasis on what it defines as “traditional” family values and strict constitutionalist interpretations. The group actively seeks to influence Utah's political landscape, often using rhetoric that can be perceived as extreme, divisive, or exclusionary, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and education.
Ideology
The Utah Eagle Forum holds far-right positions on a variety of social and political issues, including the following:
Rejection of LGBTQ+ rights: The group staunchly opposes LGBTQ+ equality and same-sex marriage, viewing these as threats to the "traditional" family structure.
Strict anti-abortion stance: Adheres to a strong pro-life position, advocating for the abolition of legal abortion with no exceptions for cases such as rape or incest.
Religious-driven policy: The group does not believe that the Constitution established a structure for the separation of Church and State, instead advocating for the imposition of Christian-based values on policy decisions, promoting the idea that the United States is inherently a Christian nation.
Limited government and anti-welfare: Opposes any perceived expansion of government that provides social welfare, environmental protections, or expanded healthcare, arguing such programs undermine personal responsibility and freedom.
Utah Eagle Forum
Tactics
While best known for its phone trees that would mobilize members to influence legislative actions, the group is engaged in the following activities:
Policy advocacy and lobbying at the state level
Educational events, such as conferences and meetings, to inform members and supporters
Grassroots mobilization to influence public opinion and legislative action
Engaging in political discourse through written communication, like newsletters and articles
Utah Connections
Utah Eagle Forum is the Utah chapter of the national Eagle Forum organization. Leaders include long-time president Gayle Ruzicka, executive director Rana Williams, vice president Dani Palmer, executive board member Dalaine England, treasurer Karen Clark, and vice president of special projects David Kyle. These members are often seen during the legislative session testifying on behalf of the Utah Eagle Forum.
Owing to the group’s effectiveness at shaping conservative opinion and mobilizing supporters, elected officials, candidates, and other Utahns are frequently part of Utah Eagle Forum events, including the following examples:
U.S. Representative Burgess Owens spoke at the Utah Eagle Forum's 2021 Convention, discussing conservative values and policies. [Watch]
The anti-trafficking advocate and Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard spoke at a Utah Eagle Forum event. [Watch]
All the Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate race in 2024 participated in a panel organized by the Utah Eagle Forum, discussing their positions and views. [Watch]